Crinoid Squat Lobster

[DrJekyl_MrHyde]



Crinoid Squat Lobsters, Allogalathea elegans, are tiny crustaceans that make their homes on Crinoid Feather Sea Stars. It is thought that Crinoid Squat Lobsters host on Crinoids for protection, since Crinoids may have an unpleasant taste or toxin and are rarely eaten by predators. Crinoid Squat Lobsters also obtain food from their hosts; these kleptoparasites use their chelipeds to comb food from the Crinoids’ feathery arms. Crinoids Feather Sea Stars are nearly impossible to keep in captivity, but Crinoid Squat Lobsters do not require a Crinoid host to thrive in a home aquarium.

Crinoid Squat Lobsters are not actually lobsters, but are small, peaceful crabs of the family Galatheidae, closely related to Porcelain Crabs. Their coloration is variable; individuals adopt the color of their host for camouflage. The most common colors are black, white, and yellow. Most Crinoid Squat Lobsters are smooth, but some can be rather spiny, further helping to blend in with their host. Allogalathea elegans can be distinguished from the nearly identical Galathea inflata, also a Crinoid Squat Lobster, by having a longer rostrum that extends far past the eyes.

Crinoid Squat Lobsters are very peaceful and will not harm small fish, corals, or invertebrates. They are territorial, solitary creatures, but more than one may be successfully housed in a large aquarium. Disputes can be avoided if at least 10 gallons of territory is allotted per each Crinoid Squat Lobster. A single Crinoid Squat Lobster makes a perfect addition to a small nano aquarium. Crinoid Squat Lobsters are easy to feed and should be target fed pieces of frozen mysis and other meaty foods. They are hardy and adapt well to life in aquariums, but like other crustaceans, they are sensitive to copper, nitrates, and changes in salinity and water quality. Avoid aggressive tank mates or those large enough to consume the Crinoid Squat Lobster.

[DrJekyl_MrHyde]



Crinoid Squat Lobsters, Allogalathea elegans, are tiny crustaceans that make their homes on Crinoid Feather Sea Stars. It is thought that Crinoid Squat Lobsters host on Crinoids for protection, since Crinoids may have an unpleasant taste or toxin and are rarely eaten by predators. Crinoid Squat Lobsters also obtain food from their hosts; these kleptoparasites use their chelipeds to comb food from the Crinoids’ feathery arms. Crinoids Feather Sea Stars are nearly impossible to keep in captivity, but Crinoid Squat Lobsters do not require a Crinoid host to thrive in a home aquarium.

Crinoid Squat Lobsters are not actually lobsters, but are small, peaceful crabs of the family Galatheidae, closely related to Porcelain Crabs. Their coloration is variable; individuals adopt the color of their host for camouflage. The most common colors are black, white, and yellow. Most Crinoid Squat Lobsters are smooth, but some can be rather spiny, further helping to blend in with their host. Allogalathea elegans can be distinguished from the nearly identical Galathea inflata, also a Crinoid Squat Lobster, by having a longer rostrum that extends far past the eyes.

Crinoid Squat Lobsters are very peaceful and will not harm small fish, corals, or invertebrates. They are territorial, solitary creatures, but more than one may be successfully housed in a large aquarium. Disputes can be avoided if at least 10 gallons of territory is allotted per each Crinoid Squat Lobster. A single Crinoid Squat Lobster makes a perfect addition to a small nano aquarium. Crinoid Squat Lobsters are easy to feed and should be target fed pieces of frozen mysis and other meaty foods. They are hardy and adapt well to life in aquariums, but like other crustaceans, they are sensitive to copper, nitrates, and changes in salinity and water quality. Avoid aggressive tank mates or those large enough to consume the Crinoid Squat Lobster.

Anyone had kept them before?

[yikai]

nope. but i always see them at cf.

[DrJekyl_MrHyde]

What color are the ones u seen at cf and how big are they?

[yikai]

What color are the ones u seen at cf and how big are they?

usually the black ones with the white stripe. and very small. 1 inch.

in fact i think cf has them now,

[DrJekyl_MrHyde]

usually the black ones with the white stripe. and very small. 1 inch.

in fact i think cf has them now,

Anyone can double confirm if cf has them now as I was there 1 week ago... Didn't seen any..

[DrJekyl_MrHyde]

Some pics